Thursday, July 28, 2011

While the Carolina Panthers' spending binge has slowed down for a couple of moments -- they did agree to terms with safety Sean Considine today apparently but that's not a major money deal -- I figured I would look back at the last two dizzying days and see what has transpired so far. (UPDATE: Now they have also made a trade for TE Greg Olsen, who is a good pass-catcher and gives them a complete overhaul at tight end. I'll evaluate that deal once we know what the Panthers gave Chicago to get Olsen).

The Steve Smith saga: Now he says he wants to be a "Panther for life," according to reports. Good. I've been advocating this -- the trade value was just too low for Smith and the Panthers need him this year as much as ever.

Quarterback countdown: Cam Newton hasn't been announced as signing his deal yet, but that figures to be a formality given the newly-instituted rookie wage scale. But who will the veteran be? I've been campaigning for Jake Delhomme (see previous blog posts), but who knows?

He's springing for dinner: Charles Johnson can't stay under the radar anymore, not after that $72-million mega-deal. Expect plenty of ribbing from Panthers teammates for that one.

The running back stable: With DeAngelo Williams back in the fold, the Panthers have one of the best running back stables in the NFL. I like this move, because the nature of the position is someone will likely be hurt in training camp.

So far, mostly so good. In Tuesday's newspaper, I advocated the Panthers doing five things right away... They've done 3.5 so far... A review...

1) Sign Charles Johnson. Check

2) Sign DeAngelo Williams. Check

3) Sign Cam Newton. No check yet, but surely this isn't going to be too difficult given the parameters established by the new CBA.

I don't get the Jake obsession either. As evidenced by his performance in Cleveland, he is done. Finished. Washed-up. He is, as Kurt Busch once famously called Jimmy Spencer, "a decrepit old has-been."

If we are really that convinced that Cam & Jimmy don't know how to play QB and we need to get someone to teach them, get someone who has been in a winning program and has shown ability to play. Billy Volek comes to mind. He's only played in a handful of games, but he's been behind some very good QBs and Rivera knows him from their days at San Diego.

Panthers are making some very good moves - I'm getting pumped up for the season. It will be interesting to see how the preseason unfolds - it won't be your normal preseason, as the games will be ultra important in prep for season.

As for Jake, I think there's a better choice out there and his name is Billy Volek. He played under Chud in San Diego, is familiar with Rivera from his time there, and can mentor Cam on the offensive scheme.

You obviously want Cam to fail, working with a jake the fake delhommey could seriously injure Cam, teaching him to read defenses so he can lead the league in . Please interceptions. GET REAL, we need a bonafide veteran QB that can help him learn to read defenses and how to study game film. Much like the way McNabb helped Vick.

Let me get this straight. Some of you are arguing FOR bringing in Brett Favre who famously declared he has NO INTEREST in developing young QB's over Jake who did so with a smile in Cleveland? What are y'all smoking?

BTW did any of you watch Favre last year? How is that an upgrade over Jake?

Nothing in sports is more over-rated than the veteran mentor QB. I love Jake Delhomme for what he did as a Panther but he he will fit this new offensive scheme like a pair of Giselle Bundchen's panties would on Kris Jenkins. The only thing Jake could really show Cam is how to throw it to the other team. I think the Panthers should stick with Cam, Jimmy & Tony Pike & let their new QB guru Mike Shula earn his money.

For those who don't get it, the trainers and coaches would teach Cam Newton HOW to play the position in the NFL. The vet QB, i.e. Jake Delhomme, would show him how to become the leader of the team, both on and off the field. THAT was something that JD did VERY well.

These Disturber sports writers get on a kick and they just absolutely can't get off. I'm so sick of hearing about Newton's jersey number I think I'll puke when (not if) they mention it again, and again and again. . . .

What is with all the Jake haters? Geez he took us to a SB! Such fairweathered fans you make me sick! Bring him back as a mentor. He is a leader! That's what we need. Wake up people. And to John as well I will miss you. They did him wrong.

Whatver you do, do not sign Landri. Rely instead on a 32 year old roll player and a couple of rookies who have never played a down in the NFL. The only way this makes any sense is if the team is going to play 3-4 75-80% of the time.

It seems now that the 50-50 deal to split these mega billions between owners and players was a conspiracy rig and both in bed together with all the male downlow kissing and hugging at the end.

Complete overhaul and new leadership in DC in 2012 for certain to continue new changes and eject these swine extortionists nationwide that will revamp this trillion dollar tv cable pro sports racket heist.

So Scott, are you Jakey-boy's secret lover or something? That would explain the man-love you seem to have for him. To the rest of us serious fans, he's a washed up has-been. Please get over yourself (and Jake) already...we get it.